Generic Diagnostic / Coding Tool Recommendations

[AlexGSi2000]

Morning,

The time has come where I need to review the software / diagnostics I use.

I have a few old versions of VCDS / BMW INPA.etc, but they are starting to show thier age and not do some of the things I need; coding / compatibility with newer cars.etc

As I now seem seem to be the family mechanic - I get given all kinds to work on and often not been able to do the job as I dont have the software (coding of replacement modules / electronic handbrake service mode / service reset.etc)

Therefore instead of buying the likes of BMW kit, I think it would be benificial to look at something more generic, but capable of doing the things I need?

As I do the odd jobs for family from time to time, it will probably only get used from time to time, so some of the new expensive gear is out of the question, so have been thinking about looking for used items - Autel maybe?

In terms of budget, I have around £450 if anyone could make any recommendations?

Have seen a few cheaper ebay items, but you need "tokens" each time you do something, which I'm not too keen on.

[GreenV8S]

Anything you buy will only work in specific situations. To cover all current brands and models would requite a large set of tools, some of them expensive. It's probably more realistic to buy what you need when you need it, assuming you're dealing with a problem that warrants the cost. Equiping yourself with a suite of tools that only get used once would obviously sink a lot of money. It's justifiable for a business where they might get used weekly, but hardly sensible for a DIYer.

[GVK]

A friend just bought a used AUTEL mk808, it does quite a lot for just being a small Android tablet based tool, available on Amazon. The other thing that I've seen a few You tubers use is the TopDon artdiag, it's also a touch screen thing, about £375 on Amazon, looks great value for the functions available

.

Edited by GVK on Sunday 31st March 05:06

[Belle427]

£450 wont get you much really, problem with Autel stuff is the cost of the updates but ive never compared the prices.
Id probably take a look at the Topdon stuff, im a fan of this guy and he seems to use it a lot.
https://youtu.be/BwoRCM-jIbg?si=ZUboSRMySKkugOnX

[Grenadier_45]

You've probably trawled YouTube already for videos like this one (I picked one at random!)?

I have the older XTool D7* (corded) bought for similar reasons to those you state, and have used it across a variety of car brands now and it's been very good - it's done everything I've asked, including bi-direction command of the car's systems. I've not used it for updating ECU firmware or anything that low level, and while it has some capability for that for VAG cars (I think!), that kind of thing makes me nervous, so I'd probably find another way.

Would I buy another D7 now? Yes, but if I could stretch to it, I'd seriously consider the new one with the wireless connector. The idea of the Otofix (which I think another PH member mentioned a year or so back) being an Autel inside would alsobe quite appealing, as I don't remember that brand being on the market here when I bought mine. The clincher for me was the 3 years of updates, which for a casual user is very appealing. I'm not running a workshop needing a super-industrial tool, so it'll get gentler treatment than something used in that environment, and therefore hopefully live long enough to take advantage of said updates ...

• I might have mentioned in a previous post that my decision was based on a review by the Car Care Nut on YT - I wanted something which would do Toyota/Lexus in particular

[AlexGSi2000]

Thanks for the recommendations.

The generic devices within my budget are not capable of carrying out the more advanced functions I will require soon (programming a replacement module on a BMW), so have decided to go down the route of upgrading / replacing my BMW diagnostic equipment.